Their training in surveillance and counter surveillance, urban warfare, special tactics, prison escape, hostage rescue, explosive use and high tech communications makes them one of the most dangerous enforcement groups in Mexico (Longmire, 2009). The initial members of the Los Zetas consisted mainly of the 31 members of the GAFES that deserted, however only 5 to 10 members are still active, notwithstanding, the group have considerably grown in size by recruiting additional soldiers, policemen and criminals alike (Brands, 2009). The group is further complemented by the "Kaibiles" these are Guatemalan counter-insurgency specialist who have also deserted in search for a better pay. The group now consists of 1000-3000 members of men and women mostly in their twenties (Grayson, 2008).
Organizational Structure.
Los Zetas consist of a small but clearly defined organizational command. According to Manwaring (2009) there exist 4-tier hierarchy; the first one is the operational level, which consists of the senior members that supports its associations with smaller cell networking. The second tier are managed by bosses who are under the instruction of the top boss they oversee the area of operational planning, intelligence, recruitment, financial support and to geographically distribute special teams, the third tier is the lower level members who are either involved in national or subnational activities and finally the fourth level a group that consist of a chain of clickas these include aspirants who are trying to prove themselves to the organization. Accordingly Cook (2009) and Brands (2009) avers that the los zetas consist of only 3 organizational tiers, the first which include the original GAFES deserters also known as the "old zetas", the capo, lieutenants, plaza chiefs and gate keepers represent the reminder of the first tier, the second consist of the new zetas while the last tier consist of the foot soldiers and new recruits.